Author: Tech & Tools Desk

President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that creating state police is unavoidable in efforts to strengthen security across Nigeria. Speaking on Tuesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a courtesy visit by a delegation of Katsina indigenes led by Governor Dikko Radda, Tinubu assured that his administration remains committed to confronting insecurity head-on. The president directed security agencies to review their operations in Katsina State, which has recently seen increased banditry, and disclosed that advanced military hardware, surveillance technology, and newly trained forest guards would be deployed to boost security in the state. Acknowledging Nigeria’s security challenges, Tinubu maintained that they are surmountable with the right strategy and determination. “The security challenges we are facing are surmountable. Yes, we have porous borders, and we inherited weaknesses that could have been addressed earlier. But it is a challenge we must fix, and we are facing it,” he said. Tinubu also ordered security agencies to intensify their efforts and provide him with daily reports on operations in Katsina. He revealed that the government had approved the additional acquisition of drones. On the issue of state policing, the president said: “I am reviewing all aspects of security. I have to create state police. We are looking at that holistically. We will defeat insecurity and protect our children, our people, our livelihoods, our places of worship, and our recreational spaces. They can’t intimidate us.” He recalled that in February 2024, the federal government set up a committee to develop a framework for state policing. The initiative has since gained broad support, although as of March, 20 states were yet to submit their reports, according to Vice President Kashim Shettima. The president also paid tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari, pledging to preserve his legacy. “The passing of our brother, President Buhari, is a loss for all of us. But he left on a strong note. He didn’t hand over a defeated country or a battered political structure, but a legacy of success,” Tinubu said. Governor Radda expressed gratitude to Tinubu for his consistent support, noting: “Mr President, there was never a time I came to you with a request that you rejected.” Other speakers, including former Governor Aminu Masari and Ibrahim Ida, the Wazirin of Katsina, praised Tinubu for honouring Buhari and investing in infrastructure in the state. Ida urged the federal government to prioritise the upgrade of Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport and strengthen security in southern Katsina.

President Donald Trump on Monday raised new doubts about the Covid-19 vaccines developed under his administration, claiming his top health agency is being “ripped apart” by disputes over their effectiveness. While acknowledging “great numbers and results” from some pharmaceutical companies, Trump pressed them to publicly prove the vaccines’ success and accused them of withholding data. “I want them to show it NOW, to CDC and the public, and clear up this MESS, one way or the other!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I hope OPERATION WARP SPEED was as ‘BRILLIANT’ as many say it was. If not, we all want to know why???” The remarks were Trump’s first about the CDC since its director, Dr. Susan Monarez, was abruptly fired last week, less than a month into her tenure amid a clash over vaccine policy. Trump has long touted Operation Warp Speed — the program that accelerated vaccine development in 2020 — as a signature achievement of his presidency. Yet his latest comments reflect his attempt to balance that legacy with the vaccine skepticism embraced by his MAGA base and promoted by his health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. “Many people think they are a miracle that saved millions of lives. Others disagree,” Trump added. “With CDC being ripped apart over this question, I want the answer, and I want it NOW.” Trump accused drug companies of withholding “extraordinary” information, saying they move on to other ventures while fueling public disputes. Neither Pfizer nor Moderna immediately responded to requests for comment. HHS also declined to comment on Trump’s post. The White House emphasized that health policy decisions remain grounded in evidence. “The only driving principle of health decision-making in this Administration is Gold Standard Science,” spokesman Kush Desai said. The CDC and FDA continue to evaluate vaccine effectiveness and safety, with the FDA recently narrowing approval for the next Covid vaccine to high-risk groups — a move defended by Commissioner Marty Makary but criticized by some experts as confusing. Trump, meanwhile, has backed Kennedy’s overhaul of vaccine policy, including Monarez’s ouster after she declined to support recommendations from a Kennedy-appointed advisory panel. Her removal triggered a wave of resignations among senior CDC officials, who accused Kennedy’s allies of sidelining scientists and threatening access to routine immunizations.

The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has directed the Command’s tactical and operational leaders to intensify their crime-fighting strategies and consolidate the progress recorded under Operation Kukan Kura. This was disclosed in a statement on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Kiyawa. Bakori commended officers for their professionalism, dedication, and sacrifices, which he said have contributed significantly to the state’s relative peace in recent months. He highlighted “notable achievements” in tackling thuggery-related crimes, locally known as Daba, alongside other criminal activities. “We must remain proactive and relentless in our operations until criminal elements either abandon their unlawful activities or are brought to justice,” the CP stressed. While attributing recent successes to the collective efforts of personnel across the state, Bakori urged vigilance and cautioned against corruption and misconduct, warning that “unprofessional conduct undermines the Command’s collective effort to safeguard lives and property.” The CP also underscored the importance of community policing, noting that strong collaboration with residents is key to sustaining peace and improving crime detection. “Policing cannot succeed without the people. We must work closely with communities to build trust and enhance safety,” he said. Bakori assured officers of the Command’s full support as they continue to intensify efforts to combat crime across Kano State.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has acknowledged the financial and operational challenges confronting several Nigerian diplomatic and consular missions overseas, attributing the difficulties to budgetary shortfalls and shifts in foreign exchange policy. In a statement issued on Monday by spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, the ministry confirmed that the constraints have disrupted smooth operations, leading to delays in payments to locally recruited staff, service providers, landlords, and even allowances for home-based officers. “The ministry is not unaware of the restrictions that financial limitations have placed on the smooth running of the missions, including the inability to pay salaries of locally recruited staff, financial obligations to service providers, rent to landlords, and the foreign service allowance to home-based officers,” the statement read. While stressing that diplomatic posts are not insulated from Nigeria’s broader economic realities, the ministry admitted that prolonged budgetary constraints have significantly impaired their ability to discharge core diplomatic duties. The statement further assured that the welfare of officers and their families remains a priority for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. “The government is taking decisive and concrete steps to address the issues of fund allocation to all its Missions abroad,” it added. Measures to ease the situation include the release of special intervention funds, with over 80 percent of available resources already cleared for payment. Priority has been given to salaries of local staff, arrears owed to officers, and obligations to service providers. A committee has also been set up to audit debt profiles and ensure that payments are transparent, justified, and equitably distributed. The ministry also confirmed engagement with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation to recover shortfalls from the 2024 fiscal year, largely caused by exchange rate fluctuations linked to the government’s monetary policy reforms. “To mitigate its impact, the government of President Bola Tinubu, has graciously approved the settlement of the shortfall,” the ministry said, confirming that the first tranche of funds had already been remitted, with “some missions acknowledging receipt.” In addition, second-semester allocations have now been approved, and the ministry is coordinating with the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria to expedite the release of personnel and overhead funds beginning this week. “Similarly, the Second Semester Allocations have also been approved. The ministry is engaging with the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria to facilitate the prompt release of Personnel and Overhead Cost Allocations to all missions, starting this week, to clear outstanding allowances and further alleviate the financial situation of the Missions. With these efforts, Missions have begun to stabilise,” the statement said. Looking ahead, the ministry revealed that it is developing a sustainable financial framework for its foreign missions, incorporating innovative and efficient strategies aligned with broader federal reforms aimed at improving fiscal governance and resource allocation. “In the same vein, the ministry is also working diligently to develop a sustainable financial model for funding our missions abroad, which includes exploring innovative solutions and efficiency measures to ensure long-term operational stability. “These efforts are integral to the broader public sector financial reforms being implemented by the Federal Government, aimed at enhancing fiscal governance and ensuring the effective allocation of resources,” he said. In its closing remarks, the ministry expressed gratitude to diplomatic staff, host governments, and service providers for their resilience and cooperation during the difficult period. “We are confident that the current challenges are temporary and will be overcome through the concerted efforts of this administration. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to robust and dynamic international diplomacy, as well as the unwavering protection and welfare of every Nigerian citizen worldwide,” the statement concluded.

The National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabiu Kwankwaso, has debunked speculations that he is considering leaving the party. Speaking on Thursday at the NNPP National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja, Kwankwaso stressed that he remains fully committed to the party, which he said is making remarkable progress in Kano and other states. “We are very happy with the performance of our party. Let me use this opportunity to say clearly that we are comfortable and not in a hurry to go anywhere,” he said. He explained that the large turnout at the meeting was partly due to false reports suggesting he was set to make a major decision about his future with the NNPP. Kwankwaso emphasised that discussions about the 2027 elections would be a collective decision. “If there will be any negotiation, it will be for the entire NNPP family, not just a few individuals,” he stated. He further advised party members not to be distracted by speculation about defections, insisting that such moves often come from inexperience. He recalled how he lost the Kano governorship in 2003 despite being an incumbent, only to return to office eight years later, describing the experience as a valuable political lesson. Kwankwaso added that Nigerians are already shaping their choices ahead of 2027, saying “reality will determine the people’s votes.” In his remarks, NNPP National Chairman, Dr. Ajuji Ahmed, described the party as “the beautiful bride of Nigerian politics” and urged citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). Also speaking, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, represented by his deputy, Aminu Gwarzo, insisted that despite attempts to weaken the NNPP, the party continues to grow under Kwankwaso’s leadership. He alleged that the party was denied victory in two recent by-elections in Kano but expressed confidence the mandate would be reclaimed. The party’s 2023 Vice-Presidential candidate, Bishop Isaac Idahosa, also affirmed that the NNPP is strengthening its direction and preparing strategically for the 2027 polls. The NEC meeting also featured the inauguration of caretaker committees for Kogi, Gombe, Taraba, and Jigawa states, alongside an extension of the Lagos State chairman’s tenure. The session was attended by elected NNPP officials and an INEC observer team.

Former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi says there is no retreat and no surrender in his bid to contest the presidency in 2027 on the platform of the African Democratic Congress. Speaking with journalists in Kano after meeting a coalition of traders, and in a BBC Hausa interview monitored in Kaduna, Amaechi insisted the ADC primary must be open and that he will not step aside for any aspirant. “I will contest the ADC presidential primary, and by God’s grace I hope to win so I can face Tinubu in 2027. I am not stepping down for anyone. Let the people decide,” he said. Amaechi argued that a competitive primary strengthens internal democracy and maintained that every aspirant has the right to seek the ticket. He also criticized the current administration, saying many Nigerians are unhappy with its policies and governance style. According to him, recent appointments have not reflected genuine inclusion, alleging they favor a narrow circle. On possible zoning of the party’s ticket, Amaechi said that is a party decision and he will abide by whatever is decided, but he remains in the race. He positioned himself as one of the most prepared contenders nationally, adding that his candidacy offers unity across regions in the South and the North. Addressing commentary about his influence in Rivers State amid the dominance of his long time rival and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, Amaechi dismissed claims of declining support. He cited a recent ADC event in Rivers where he said turnout from the airport to the venue was massive without paid mobilization.  

Two leaders of the Kingdom of God Global Church were arrested on Wednesday after coordinated FBI raids across several states, following a federal indictment that accuses them of running a multi million dollar forced labour and money laundering operation. The US Department of Justice said Michelle Brannon, 56, was taken into custody at a mansion in Hillsborough County near Tampa, while David Taylor, 53, was arrested in North Carolina. The pair lead the church, formerly known as Joshua Media Ministries International. Taylor refers to himself as Apostle and Brannon as his Executive Director, according to the DOJ. Agents carried out additional searches, including at a church owned property in the exclusive Avila neighbourhood and a church owned hotel in Houston. A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Michigan returned a 10 count indictment alleging Taylor and Brannon operated call centres in Florida, Texas, Missouri, and Michigan to solicit donations and to recruit followers to work long hours without pay. Some were assigned as personal aides known as armour bearers and were allegedly not allowed to leave housing or call centre sites without permission. Prosecutors say the church raised about 50 million dollars in donations since 2014, with large sums allegedly used for luxury homes, vehicles, and recreational equipment such as boats, jet skis, and ATVs. The indictment also alleges the defendants directed victims to transport women to Taylor and to ensure those women took Plan B emergency contraceptives. Taylor and Brannon each face charges of forced labour, conspiracy to commit forced labour, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Each count carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. The DOJ noted that the forced labour charges carry fines up to 250,000 dollars, while the money laundering conspiracy carries up to 500,000 dollars in fines or twice the value of the laundered property. Justice Department officials said combating human trafficking remains a top priority and credited a multi state effort by FBI field offices and IRS Criminal Investigation. Investigators described the alleged conduct as deeply troubling and pledged continued enforcement against human exploitation and financial crimes. Brannon made an initial appearance in federal court in Tampa on Wednesday afternoon. The judge continued the hearing to Thursday and directed her to secure counsel locally after questions arose about her legal representation.

The Federal Government has begun implementing a landmark reform that allows Colleges of Education nationwide to independently award both the National Certificate in Education and education degrees. Announcing the move at a national summit in Abuja on 19 August 2025, Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa, represented by Minister of State Dr Suwaiba Said Ahmad, said the policy is anchored on the Federal Colleges of Education Establishment Act No 43 of 2023. The dual mandate grants Colleges of Education full legal and operational authority to expand degree offerings while maintaining their core teacher training mission. NCCE Executive Secretary Prof Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle hailed the step as transformational for teacher education, noting that colleges can now leverage existing staff, facilities and expertise to deliver degrees directly. House Committee Chair on Federal Colleges of Education Hon Adamu Tanko assured stakeholders that degrees from the colleges will be equivalent to those of conventional universities. The Ministry pledged clear guidelines, technical support and resource mobilisation to ensure smooth rollout, positioning the reform to boost teacher supply, retain talent and widen access for student teachers across the country.

In the Dnipropetrovsk region, doctors are treating 33 year old Ukrainian soldier Vladyslav, who survived Russian captivity after his throat was cut. He managed to crawl back toward Ukrainian lines for nearly five days before being found. Suspilne, Ukraine’s public broadcaster, reported the case. Unable to speak because of his injuries, Vladyslav has kept a diary. His wife, Viktoriia, and his brother, Yevhen, recounted that a few weeks ago his brigade lost a position near Pokrovsk. He was captured while trying to help fellow soldiers. According to their account, captors tortured prisoners; earlier detainees suffered extreme mutilation. Vladyslav’s throat was cut and he was thrown into a pit with seven other soldiers, presumed dead. After the assailants left, he tied cloth around his neck and, with his hands bound, used a broken bottle to cut the rope. Covered by trash dumped over the pit, he crawled for days toward Ukrainian positions. On 17 August he was taken to a hospital in critical condition with severe blood loss and infected wounds. The hospital director said his chances were slim but noted his determination to survive. Vladyslav has undergone surgery, and ENT surgeons are working to restore his ability to breathe and speak, aiming to leave no visible scar. Staff said this is the first case of this type of injury they have treated in the 11 years of the war. Despite everything, his brother says Vladyslav is already thinking about returning to the front, writing that those who did this should feel what he and his seven comrades felt.

Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei says European colonial powers that seized control across Africa stripped the continent of its identity culture and resources. In a brief post on X on Tuesday he wrote, “European colonizers came and dominated much of Africa. They took away the African’s culture, identity, and wealth. They even crushed the African’s language, script, history, and traditions. … Then the Europeans forced their own language on them.” Khameneis remarks come amid Tehrans enduring tensions with the United States and Israel. They also follow reports that the Head of the Palestinian Community in Nigeria Ramzy Abu Ibrahim was arrested in Abuja by operatives who identified themselves as the anti terrorism squad. Family members said the Palestinian Nigerian who has lived in the country for decades was taken from his home on Friday and his location remains unknown. Relatives linked the arrest to his recent advocacy on attacks against journalists and other vulnerable people in Gaza. Iran has repeatedly condemned Israels actions in Gaza. In another post Khamenei said Western leaders who previously backed Israel are now issuing only verbal condemnations, calling such statements insufficient. He added that Iran is prepared to help shut off all channels of support to Israel, saying there is no alternative but to completely block assistance to the leaders of the Zionist regime. In Nigeria the Muslim Rights Concern renewed its criticism of Israel, accusing it of genocide and warning federal and state authorities as well as public agencies against business dealings with the country. The statement followed an announcement in Abuja by Israels Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel Harpaz about a startup initiative involving 40 companies in collaboration with Nigerias foreign ministry. MURICs founder Professor Ishaq Akintola described the plan as a deceptive scheme from a rogue genocidal state and urged Nigerian partners to reject it.